Photography

Examination Board: AQA

Course Code: 7206

• Component 1 Portfolio

• Component 2 Externally Marked Exam

Entry Requirements: A grade 6 in Art, Graphics or Photography at GCSE. A portfolio will be considred in the absence of this

Why study Photography? 

• To broaden your visual language skills
• To develop and demonstrate a deep appreciation of the skills, knowledge and understanding of Photographic world
• To develop competence and confidence in using a camera, darkroom and photography studio
• To further investigate the history of photography and how it has helped comment on our civilisation
• To understand how visual and written language are linked and to be able to comment and analyse imagery to deepen understanding

What will I study?

The course begins with workshop skills, focusing on the tools required for the course. It includes the history of photography, artist studies and responses, Photoshop skills, dark room techniques, lighting and ‘how to use your camera’. Year 12 continues with a practical unit. Students attend an educational visit to Bournemouth, where they gain inspiration and photographs based on the title “Watching the English”. The unit concludes with a 5-hour ‘exam day’, completed in exam conditions.

The Personal Investigation unit begins with an educational visit to London, taking in the National Gallery and National Portrait Gallery. Research undertaken on the visit acts as inspiration for the title of the unit. The unit includes a 2000 word essay to accompany practical work.

An external list of questions from AQA acts as the starting point for the final unit. Students choose one question and investigate over a period of 12 weeks. The unit concludes with 15 hour exam condition days.

How will I study?

Photography ranges from learning many practical skills like darkroom and lighting techniques, as well as Photoshop and camera skills. These will be taught in groups. The individual units will require students to work independently taking guidance from staff to further their work.

How will my work be assessed?

The course is 100% coursework-based and all work is marked by teaching staff and then moderator by and external qualified moderator